This is the actual ABA (Storen) red, white, and blue basketball used in the 1976 ABA All-Star Game between the league leading Denver Nuggets and a team of ABA All-Stars played on January 27, 1976 at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. At the conclusion of the game, the ball was given to David Thompson in recognition of his selection as the games Most Valuable Player. Thompson scored 29 points in leading the Nuggets to a 144-138 victory over the All-Stars. Furthermore, halftime of the 1976 ABA All-Star Game saw the first-ever Slam Dunk Contest, which was won by Julius Erving of the New York Nets (who took off from the free throw line for his dunk) over David Thompson of the Denver Nuggets, Artis Gilmore of the Kentucky Colonels, George Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs and Larry Kenon of the Spurs. The NBA later adopted the Slam Dunk Contest as part of its All Star Game starting in 1984 (also hosted by the Denver Nuggets). It is not known, but certainly conceivable that this ball was also used in the dunk contest. Years later at an ABA reunion, David Thompson brought this ball and had over 25 former ABA stars autograph it for him. Players who signed are: David Thompson, Julius Erving, Billy Knight, Cincy Powell, Charlie Scott, Maurice Lucas, Larry Jones, James Silas, Zelmo Beaty, Ed Manning, Ron Boone, Monte Towe, Dan Issel, Gus Gerard, Louis Dampier, Marvin Barnes, Chuck Williams, Connie Hawkins, Spencer Haywood, Bill Melchionni, and numerous others. According to David Thomson, this ball essentially served as his 1976 ABA All-Star Game MVP Award. It comes with a vintage red, white and blue Lucite case. All things considered, this surely must rank as one of the most significant ABA game used basketballs extant.
LOA from David Thompson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.